#China #Beijing #Baidu #ERNIE 4.5 #ERNIE X1

Introduction

On March 16, 2025, Baidu, Inc., recognized as a frontrunner in artificial intelligence, introduced its latest advancements: the ERNIE 4.5 and ERNIE X1 models. This dual launch not only enriches Baidu’s portfolio but also provides users with unprecedented access to cutting-edge AI technology, as the ERNIE Bot is now available to the public at no cost, ahead of its initial schedule.

What’s New with ERNIE 4.5 and ERNIE X1?

The ERNIE 4.5 model stands as Baidu's pioneering native multimodal foundation model. It displays remarkable performances, aligning itself with industry competitors while being priced significantly lower—just 1% of GPT-4.5—making it an attractive alternative. Users can expect improved capabilities in understanding and generating content that combines text, images, audio, and video.

Meanwhile, the ERNIE X1 model introduces advanced reasoning abilities, characterized as a deep-thinking model that not only understandings queries but also demonstrates skills in planning, reflection, and problem-solving across various modalities. Priced at competitive rates starting at RMB 0.002 for input, this model integrates features making it suitable for diverse applications including knowledge assessment and creative writing.

Breaking Down the Features

ERNIE 4.5

Multimodal Proficiency: One of the standout features of ERNIE 4.5 is its capability to seamlessly integrate and process various formats of data—text, images, audio, and video—offering superior communication and interaction experiences. The model employs advanced technologies such as FlashMask Dynamic Attention Masking and Knowledge-Centric Training Data Construction to enhance its understanding. Users can enjoy affordability with input costs starting at RMB 0.004 per thousand tokens.

Enhanced Understanding: The model exhibits notable improvements in reasoning, generating coherent and contextually relevant responses. This feature positions it to outperform many existing models in critical evaluations.

ERNIE X1

Deep-Thinking Capabilities: ERNIE X1 marks a significant evolution in AI reasoning models. It excels in Chinese knowledge QA, illustrating its potential in engaging with complex texts and dialogues. By employing Progressive Reinforcement Learning and an End-to-End Training Approach, X1 is built to evolve, improve and adapt functionalities as needed.

Tool Support: One of the key differentiators for ERNIE X1 is its ability to utilize various tools including advanced search functions and AI image generation. This makes it particularly useful in real-world applications such as educational resources or partnering with businesses for customized solutions.

Free Access to ERNIE Bot

Baidu’s strategic move to offer the ERNIE Bot without charge reflects its commitment to democratizing access to innovative AI technologies. This initiative is set to enhance user engagement and foster AI literacy across diverse demographics.

By allowing individual users free access to these models, Baidu not only strengthens its user base but also opens avenues for developers and enterprises to integrate advanced AI into their ecosystems.

Future Integrations

Baidu envisions a broad integration strategy for both ERNIE 4.5 and X1 within its existing product frameworks, extending into popular platforms like Baidu Search and the Wenxiaoyan app. Such consolidation aims to deliver enriched experiences for users, dramatically enhancing the utility of Baidu’s offerings in the tech landscape.

Conclusion

The launch of ERNIE 4.5 and ERNIE X1 symbolizes a transformative leap in AI capabilities by Baidu. These models pave the way for innovative solutions across multiple sectors, highlighting Baidu's goal to simplify complex tasks through remarkable technology. As 2025 unfolds, the focus on advancing AI and cloud infrastructure positions the company to remain at the forefront of the AI revolution, fostering an environment of continuous innovation. Baidu's keen investment in this realm ensures that it will maintain relevance and leadership in an ever-evolving digital landscape.